Honorable Judge Larry Gist acted as emcee and speaker, and Officer Mike Custer and the Last Stand Band provided entertainment. Port Arthur Police Officer Marcelo Molfino and his team at Molfino’s Catering catered the dinner, which was a great success in spite of inclement weather. The Officer Conrad Gernale Memorial Scout Troop 194 presented the colors and led the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance to kick off the night. The troop is named after Officer Conrad Gernale, a BPD officer killed in the line of duty in 2002. Gernale’s badge number was 194.

There was also a special presentation to the family of Sgt. Teddy Ratcliff, who recently lost his battle with cancer. The chief presented Ratcliff’s family with a shadow box in honor of the long-time officer’s service to BPD.

Besides the appreciation awards, Chief Singletary presented department commendations to three civilians and 13 officers who provided exemplary service to agency throughout the past year. The three civilians receiving commendations were Cindy Bloodsworth, Michael Inboden and Kim Byrd Jackson. Sgt. James Reaux, Officer Danny Valdez, Officer Jesse Warner and Officer Heather Wilson were honored for their service as Police Explorer Post 730 Advisors. Officer Thomas Swope and Officer Justin Proenza received recognition for their efforts as Santa in Blue Coordinators. Other officers honored were Det. Donald English, Officer John Flanagan, Sgt. Robert Flores, Det. Sgt. Jesus Tamayo, Officer Steven Garrison, Det. Sgt. Kenneth Karr, Officer Erin Smith and Officer Isiah Volrie. Besides having the “biggest biceps” in BPD, according to the chief, Volrie was commended for taking down an armed robbery suspect during a call in 2013.

In closing, Judge Gist said he wanted to thank the Beaumont boys in blue for “keeping us safe” on behalf of all those gathered at the event. He encouraged attendees to do the same when meeting an officer out in the community.

“When you see an officer in a restaurant or somewhere, stop and say, ‘Thank you,’” Gist advised.

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